EVENTS2017 "

Schedule of Events, Courses and Happenings at Cloughjordan Ecovillage

"www.thevillage.ie learning@thevillage.ie

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Cloughjordan Ecovillage as a Learning Community "Climate change is the greatest challenge of our time affecting all of humanity. Many hope that new technologies will resolve the problem but experts recognise that, to be successful, behavioural and lifestyle change is also required. This is best done through strong communities that can build resilience, practices of sharing and mutual learning. Society needs models like Cloughjordan Ecovillage to research and model the transition. "Cloughjordan Ecovillage is an award winning sustainable neighbourhood in the Irish rural town of Cloughjordan in Tipperary. Uniquely, it was conceived and is being developed by its current and future residents, under the umbrella of an educational charity, founded in 1999: Sustainable Projects Ireland (CHY13328). "The Ecovillage was envisioned as a destination for learning-by-doing and action research into sustainability, resilience, community living and rural regeneration. 100 adults and 35 children are now living in the ecovillage, and over 15 businesses, co-operatives and learning providers are also based there making it a dynamic ecosystem of innovation. "Through its renewable energy heating system, its well-insulated houses, its community farm, its green enterprise centre with co-working and a digital fabrication lab, its community woodlands, its research relationships with Ireland’s universities, the project acts as a powerful model for the transition to a low-carbon society and the building of community resilience. "Its location in an existing settlement helps with its mission of mainstreaming sustainability. With a target of 130 housing units, the Ecovillage is still developing. We are planning a process to systematically reduce our ecological footprint over time, learning new means to achieve this and sharing these through our education. A visit or participating in a course here is stimulating, interesting — and also a great day out! "

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Accommodation at Django’s Accommodation is available in Cloughjordan Ecovillage. To book Django’s Eco-Hostel see www.djangoshostel.com Or call +353 87 256 9348. "Some B&B accommodation is available in Cloughjordan Ecovillage ""If you are inspired by our vision, please consider supporting our educational work. We invite you to join our worldwide community of supporters and become a Friend or Patron. You can become a Friend for as little as €5 a month or a Patron from €250 a year. The benefits and perks of membership include discounts on courses run by Cloughjordan Ecovillage and free invitations to selected events. "This programme is liable to change and more events will be addedPlease visit www.thevillage.ie for latest details.

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Many other ongoing drop-in classes & meet-ups also take place in Cloughjordan including: "Yoga Tuesday Evenings with Donal donal@northtippyoga.com Wednesday beginner and advanced classes with Majella for more information: 086 1536354 Cloughjordan Circus Club Circus classes for those aged 8 to 80! Skills taught include juggling, diabolo, stilt-walking, tight-wire, unicycle, hula hooping and more. For more information contact Jo on 086 373 5232 Martial Arts Kung Fu and Kickboxing for all ages every ThursdayContact Patrick 086 167 5034 Non Violent Communication Study group and occasional workshops Contact Aaron 087 766 1667 ""

Dark Skies Community Discussion group exploring responsible lighting and dark sky stewardship, and the development of a night sky viewing site. Contact Gemma 086 8612959 The Cloughjordan Writers' Group Meet every Sunday in Sheelagh na Gig bookshop from 1.30 to 3.30. Anyone who is serious about writing well and providing supportive comment to other writers is welcome to attend. Ciorcal Comhrá Meeting Wednesday evenings in the Thomas MacDonagh Heritage Centre, all levels of Irish welcome. Contact Annemarie 087 976 4968 Cloughjordan Amnesty International Group Meeting monthly and hold occasional letter writing marathons, all welcome, contact Patrick 086 167 5034 Cloughjordan to Palestine Group An informal group of people who would like to develop connections and actions for justice in Palestine. Contact Ben 087 900 2377

Ongoing throughout the year Guided Tours of the Ecovillage Leaving from Sheelagh na Gig bookshop on the Main Street of Cloughjordan at 3pm every Saturday and Sunday - no booking necessary "Visit the Ecovillage with your school, group or organisation Cloughjordan Ecovillage can design a schedule and content to the specific interests of the group on request. A typical visit can be one or more days. "[1] Ecovillage Introduction An active learning experience, opening with a presentation on the Ecovillage, followed by a guided tour in small groups and a facilitated discussion. (Duration up to 5 hours. Typically 11am to 4pm) "[2] Ecovillage Exploration (Residential) A community-based learning experience on a sustainability topic relevant to participants - an extended version of [1] - often including some practical work. (Duration 2 days or more) "For more info, options or booking: email edvisits@thevillage.ie

Ecovillage 3rd Level Module The ecovillage offers an academic module accredited through various universities on the transition to a low-carbon society based on the practical example of what it has achieved to date. This module is adapted to the needs of particular groups of students and is offered in the ecovillage.For more info contact learning@thevillage.ie "Tá siúlóidí treoraithe agus cúrsaí lae ar fáil trí Ghaeilge. Gach eolas ó cuairt@thevillage.ie "Learning Journeys Cultivate in association with the Ecovillage work with professional groups to devise a personalised itinerary on their specific area of interest. "These are focused on topics such as renewable energy, green building, local food, community resilience and sustainable tourism, These study tours can range from one to several days, depending on the itinerary developed, we recommend at least two days to allow for a more immersive experience. "For more info, options or booking: email info@cultivate.ie

Other learning opportunities

RED Gardens You-Tube Channel Based on the explorations and discoveries of a series of food growing spaces, located in the Cloughjordan Ecovillage. The RED Gardens Project, Research Education and Development, consists of 6 family scale gardens each one 100m2 (1000sqf) and following a different methodology, or approach to growing vegetables. There is also a larger Black Plot, of about 1000m2 (1/4 acre) which is exploring issues and possibilities of an intermediate scale growing space. Bruce Darrell manages all of the gardens and related research projects, as well as scripting, filming, illustrating, and editing the videos on this channel. "Subscribe to RED Gardens on www.youtube.com

The ecovillage is a hub of the GROW OBSERVATORY. This is a European-wide project supporting the emergence of a movement of citizens sharing knowledge and data on soil.

People of all ages and backgrounds are being invited to take practical steps to preserve soil and participate in online learning courses. Through coordinated experiments growers across Europe can help  forecast and prepare for climate events by validating soil moisture data from satellites.

Cultivate are the Irish partner in GROW. Do you want to be part of a movement regenerating soil for future generations? See www.growobservatory.org or email grow@cultivate.ie

Cloughjordan Community FarmFarm visits, regular learning events, & Woofing and apprenticeship opportunities on Ireland’s longest running, member owned and operated Community Supported Agriculture project. For information see http://cloughjordancommunityfarm.ie

Bread Courses with Riot Rye Bakehouse & Bread School "Come and spend the day in the Ecovillage learning how to bake in our working wood-fired bakery with award-winning baker Joe Fitzmaurice. Our courses are hands-on. You will bring home with you a selection of breads, a fresh sourdough starter and the knowledge and confidence to bake real bread at home. "Courses available [a] Introduction to Baking Real Bread [b] Sourdough Course [c] Serious Sourdough "For full details and booking information see www.riotrye.ie

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Saturday 25th March, 8:30pm

Earth HourDjango’s in Cloughjordan Ecovillage "Coordinated by WWF, the event is held worldwide annually to encourage individuals, communities, households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights for one hour as a symbol for their commitment to tackling climate change. At Cloughjordan Ecovillage we will be observing Earth Hour at Django’s. In the candlelight we will be playing music, sharing stories, poems and reflections. "Saturday 1st April, 11am - 5pm EcoLearn: An EcoVillage Experience We Create Workspace A taste of life in our community for those interested in building, living, and working in sustainable communities. For details email learning@thevillage.ie "This ECOLearn Experience Event Includes: • An overview of the history and vision of the Ecovillage • A guided tour highlighting the project’s community features • A visit inside high performance homes and a chance to meet some of the residents • A visit to the community farm, and green enterprise centre • Practical advice about living in this multi-award winning community • Useful information to take away about buying and building in the Ecovillage

Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th April, all day.

Feeding Ourselves

Soil, Community Farming, Regeneration & Diversification. WeCreate Centre. Organised by Cultivate in association with Cloughjordan Community Farm. "Celebrating the soil beneath our feet, the food it provides for our communities, and the agroecological farmers and growers who work the land. "This year will feature a soil symposium - including an introduction to a fascinating new citizen science project called GROW Observatory - with dedicated sessions on community gardens, sustainable farm diversification, community supported agriculture and the land workers alliance. We’ll highlight inspiring examples of regenerative (agri)-culture activism - from farm hack to food policy councils. "Speakers and contributors include Naomi van der Velden (British Permaculture Association), Kate Carmody (Organic Hemp Farmer Kerry) and Kevin Dudley (Cloughjordan Community Farm) plus many more. If you are a grower, see food as a commons, interested in Permaculture or land-based livelihoods, this event is for you. For full details and booking see www.cultivate.ie

"Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th April

The Little Food Fair WeCreate Centre, 11am - 3pm An outdoor food market at the WeCreate Centre in the Ecovillage with produce and information from local producers: Wildfire Pizza, The Night Orchard, Riot Rye, Cloughjordan Community farm, Middle Country Cafe Co-op, Crawford's Farm, and Harmony Gardens (NextGen Cloughjordan). "This is part of the Feeding Ourselves conference but open to everyone. """

Events, Courses & Happenings

Saturday April 8th 7.30 till late

SpeakEATsy WeCreate Centre A convivial evening of food, art, music, poetry and dancing. Experience a tasty and thoughtful meander into a world where music and poetry, farming and food, arts and nourishment weave together seamlessly. This unique event includes a meal, music, spoken word and a public conversation in a convivial community setting. For full details and booking see www.cultivate.ie

Sunday 30th April, 3pm Creative Rebellion: Artistic Consciousness at the time of MacDonagh Heritage Centre, Main Street. Part of the MacDonagh Weekend see www.macdonaghheritage.ie Introduced by Peadar Kirby, this presentation by Dr. Caoilfhionn Ní Bheacháin and Dr. Angus Mitchell from the University of Limerick will reflect on the role of the artist and on the importance of culture in the Rising of 1916. Specifically, this event will explore the power of the arts and creativity to challenge injustice and transform society.

MacDonagh Weekend Ecovillage Tour Creative Rebellion will be followed by a tour through Cloughjordan Ecovillage to the new Community Amphitheatre. "This tour through the ecovillage will point out many of the ecological features and end at the Cloughjordan Community Amphitheatre, a new multi-purpose performance space in the Ecovillage designed to stage a diverse range of cultural events. cloughjordanarts.ie

Tuesday 23rd May, 10am - 5pm

Art of Facilitation: Effective Tools for Cultivating Collaboration and Engagement in Groups, Communities and Co-operative Initiatives WeCreate Centre "

Develop your competencies in facilitating groups and using new tools to host transformational conversations in your community or organisation. This full-day course will provide participants with processes to better host meetings, enable dialogue, facilitate participative events, and cultivate flourishing communities. This event will examine the changing role of the facilitator as a catalyst for change, and is aimed at those that have no background in facilitation as well as those who are experienced seeking to enrich their skill-set. Hosted by Chris Chapman, Davie Philip and Aaron Bailey. "This is organised by Cultivate in association with The Ecovillage Process group. For full details and booking see www.cultivate.ie "

Events, Courses & Happenings

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Events, Courses & Happenings """"""""""""""""Sunday 21st May RE-WILDING Biodiversity Week Event In May as part of the national Biodiversity Week there will be a rich programme of events taking place in Cloughjordan. On Sunday the 21st there will be a tour of the biodiversity aspects of Cloughjordan Ecovillage and a presentation on the topic of ‘Rewilding’, the mass restoration of ecosystems and an opportunity to reverse the destruction of the natural world. *More information soon*.

Cloughjordan Community Amphitheatre "The Cloughjordan Amphitheatre is a new multi-purpose performance space designed to stage a diverse range of cultural events from professional and community theatre and music to performance poetry, film screenings and educational workshops.  

The facility itself is located within a large subsoil mound created during the excavation and construction phase of the Ecovillage. The 200 seat venue will be a significant addition to the cultural, artistic and educational infrastructure of the whole Mid-West Region. "We are looking forward to opening this summer. A programme of innovative and exciting events for our fledgling year is taking shape and Cloughjordan Arts is committed to collaborating with a range of different cultural and educational organisations. "Details at http://cloughjordanarts.ie ""

Permaculture Design Course 2017 Learn how we can live more sustainably using ecological design "Practical skills for horticulture, farming, enterprise, green building, perma-facture, collaboration, social innovation and community resilience. Fees €550 / €495 Members | some concessions are available "This 10-day Permaculture Design Certificate Course is organised by Cultivate and hosted in association with Cloughjordan Community Farm and the Ecovillage Education Group and is accredited by the Permaculture Association of Britain. "

Each year we invite special guest tutors to share their expertise, and 2017 sees the return of Albert Bates, the founder of the Ecovillage Training Center at The Farm in Tennessee, past president of Global Ecovillage Network and author of 16 books on ecology and the future and Aranya, leading UK Permaculture teacher

and designer and author of Permaculture Design: A Step-by-Step Guide. Aranya will be coming to us online; he hosted one of last years most popular, inspiring and interactive sessions on design. "The setting for this immersive course is Cloughjordan Ecovillage, one of Ireland’s leading examples of an ecosystem of innovation. it includes over 50 eco-homes, community woodlands, renewable energy production, a wood-fired bakery, research gardens and a community farm. See www.cultivate.ie for full details.

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Friday 2nd - Sunday 4th September Global Green at the Electric Picnic This pop-up ecovillage is a diverse community of cultural creatives, activists, artists, musicians, foodies, hackers, social entrepreneurs and slam poets, brought together by Cultivate, supported by an alliance of learning providers from Cloughjordan Ecovillage and across Ireland. This dynamic and green edge of the Electric Picnic showcases new musical acts, offers the most authentic food on site and hosts discussions on radical ideas for a community-led future that works. The theme of Global Green in 2017 is ‘Making the transition to a resilient and low carbon society’ and will be highlighting the work of Cloughjordan Ecovillage. For more information see www.electricpicnic.ie""Saturday 23rd September The Sustainable Earth Fair As part of a new European Day of Sustainable Communities and the national Convergence festival the Sustainable Earth Fair will take place in Cloughjordan Ecovillage. This fair will highlight the sustainability features of this award winning ‘ecosystem of innovation’. The day will feature talks, discussions, stalls, a farm and enterprise centre open day and tours of the project. "*More information soon.

Saturday 28th October *TBC* Féile na nÚll - The Harvest Apple Festival

"Sustainable Projects Ireland North Tipperary Green Enterprise Park, Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary, Ireland  +353 (0)505 42833 learning@thevillage.ie

Events, Courses & Happenings